Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

This week (15-21 May 2023) is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is anxiety. 

Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all may feel, however for some people it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. There are lots of reasons why we can feel anxious, such as relationships, social situations, big life events, and work. If we don’t know how to cope with our feelings of anxiety, they can get out of control and stop us from doing the things we need or want to do. The more often and the longer we feel anxious, the more it can become a problem.

Dealing with these tough emotions can be hard but please know that you don't have to do it alone.

We have put together a list of resources and contact information for organisations that you can reach out to if you need support. 

Samaritans – Call 116 123

FRANK – Confidential drugs advice and information. Call 0300 123 6600

HOPELine UK – Suicide prevention helpline. Call 0800 068 4141

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Suicide prevention helpline. Call 0800 58 58 58

NHS – Call 111 or 999

Shout Crisis Text Line - Text “SHOUT” to 85258

FRANK – Text 82111 or use the webchat to Talk to Frank here

Anxiety UK – use the Helpline Services here

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Get help and support here

Mates in Mind – Text “BeAMate” to 85258

Please note: some of these may have small subscription charges

Togetherall – A global 24/7 community of ordinary people, moderated by clinical professionals, where people can anonymously get the mental health support they really need.

Calm – A meditation and sleep app to help improve your health and happiness.

Headspace – A meditation app suitable for both beginners or advanced. It offers meditation to address various topics including anxiety, stress, sleep and exercise.

Aura – It pairs your current mental state with the best meditation/relaxations strategies to help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and increase happiness.

PTSD Coach – A free app designed to assist people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Check out the useful guides and tips by mental health charity Mind.

Check out the further support services signposted by the Mental Health Foundation.

If your feelings of anxiety are not going away, are having a negative impact on your life, or often prevent you from doing things you need or want to do, please seek support. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional about the support available in your area or contact a helpline service.